Bryan Kohberger, 31, filed a handwritten petition Monday from the Idaho Maximum Security Penitentiary, where he is serving four consecutive life sentences for the 2022 stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Kohberger argues his attorneys did not adequately represent him and that his guilty plea was not knowingly or voluntarily entered because it "was induced by unkept promises" and threats. He claims they failed to disclose evidence like an "unknown hair in Chapin's hand" and insisted his plea "need not be truthful."
On July 2, 2025, Kohberger told Judge Steven Hippler he was pleading guilty "freely and voluntarily" because he was guilty, not due to other incentives. He waived his right to appeal and confirmed no coercion.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty, recommending four consecutive life sentences without parole plus 10 years. Kohberger checked "no" when asked if other promises influenced his decision.
Idaho law requires a showing of "manifest injustice" to withdraw a guilty plea after sentencing, a high standard that can be met if the plea was involuntary.
Lead defense attorney Anne Taylor, a highly regarded capital defender with nearly 30 years of experience, declined to comment.